This is the story of the journey of my life. Travel can be hard work. So much to see. So little time. So many missed connections. So much lost luggage. But every stop, every detour, every challenge along the way provides a lesson to be learned. Traveling mercies to us all.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Needless Fear

The other day, Kristiana went out for a walk with Maya. They came across a turtle crossing the cul-de-sac at the end of our street.

What could she possibly have been thinking as she barked so frantically?
As she foamed at the mouth?
As she ran in circles around that turtle?
What could she possibly have been afraid of?
That turtle was incapable of doing her any harm, but she never got close enough to find that out for herself. Maya barked loudly and energetically, but she kept her distance from the enemy.

As I watched her panic and roar, I began to think of myself and my own needless fears.
What things and people and situations do I run circles around, barking and worrying and panicking about?
What makes me foam at the mouth?
What needless fears do I face in my own life?

Perhaps the old anecdote is true: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
Even more powerful and more true is this: "Fear not for I am with you; I have called you by name and you are mine. Do not be afraid, for I am with you."

Maya made us laugh the other day.
And she made me think.
That dog is still one of my most effective teachers.

About Me

If you will allow me, I will quote The Count of Monte Cristo: "I'm a writer, not a saint. I'm imperfect, and so are my writings. These are my spiritual yearnings and tainted expressions of love, hacked as best I can onto thin sheets of wood pulp (or in my case, onto a thin keyboard), in a fallen world, with my flawed perceptions, feelings, desires, and misguided intentions. In a nutshell, this is me; live with it. Don't read this unless you really want to see all of me, even the not-so-pretty parts. But if you really want to know me, keep on reading."